Yeah, I’m leaning toward hiring out for this stuff, too. I thought about just grabbing a ladder and clearing the leaves myself, but once I started looking into what’s actually involved (plus the cost of renting a decent ladder and harness), it didn’t seem worth the risk. My roof isn’t super steep, but it’s high enough to make me nervous—especially after hearing stories about people slipping on ice or wet shingles.
I didn’t realize that cleanup crews might not do repairs unless you ask. That’s good to know. I’d probably just assume they’d fix anything they spot, so I’ll make sure to clarify next time. The photo tip is smart—I wouldn’t have thought of that, but it makes sense if you can’t see everything from the ground.
One thing I noticed: some companies around here (I’m in the Midwest) charge extra for even small fixes while they’re up there, so it’s not always bundled in. Guess it depends who you get. Either way, paying a bit more for someone who knows what they’re doing seems like money well spent compared to a hospital bill... or a busted gutter.
Either way, paying a bit more for someone who knows what they’re doing seems like money well spent compared to a hospital bill... or a busted gutter.
That’s honestly the reality a lot of folks don’t realize until they’re halfway up a shaky ladder. I’ve seen more than one DIY job where people ended up damaging their gutters or even cracking shingles just trying to clear out some leaves. Midwest winters especially make things tricky—ice can hide under debris and it’s easy to lose your footing. Photos are a great idea, but I’d also ask about what’s included in the service before they start. Some crews will patch minor issues while they’re up there, others won’t touch repairs unless you specifically request it. It really does come down to who you hire and how clear you are about expectations.
